Victorian MPs across the political spectrum have united in grief as Parliament stopped to pay tribute to Fiona Richardson who died after a battle with cancer.
Ms Richardson, 50, died on Wednesday night only a day after announcing she would not recontest the next election.
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MPs unite to pay tribute to Fiona Richardson
Victorian MPs across the political spectrum have united in grief as Parliament stopped to pay tribute to Fiona Richardson, who died after a battle with cancer.
Many Labor ministers wore suffragette purple as a mark of respect for Ms Richardson, as both sides of Parliament gathered for a special session on Thursday to honour the woman who was Australia's first minister for the Prevention of Family Violence.
A single yellow rose was placed on Ms Richardson's seat in Parliament, while the Australian flag outside flew at half mast.
Lower house Speaker Colin Brooks' voice quavered as he began the session with the opening prayer.
Colleagues were in tears as Premier Daniel Andrews led the tributes saying Ms Richardson "knew no fear and tolerated no prejudice".
He said Ms Richardson had brought family violence into the "harsh and unforgiving light" when she oversaw the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
He said Ms Richardson had busted up Labor's "smoke-filled back rooms" as she fought for greater equality.
"Fiona cannot be replaced. Not in this government, not in this movement," he said.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said many young Victorian girls would grow up in a safer state because of the work Ms Richardson had done.
"Fiona Richardson has changed our state," he said. "Fiona was dignified, strong, held enormous poise in this chamber."
Mr Guy reached out to his political opponents, saying Coalition MPs grieved for them and offered their heartfelt sympathies.
"Her legacy will be one that our state will never, ever forget."
Ms Richardson joined Labor in 1991, held the seat of Northcote from 2006 and successfully fought breast cancer in 2013.
The 50-year-old is survived by two children, Marcus and Catherine, and husband, Stephen.
Mr Andrews said Ms Richardson had fought "until the very end".
"She did all of this not for herself, but for others. In one of her first speeches as minister, she said 'We can do more, and we must'. In her memory, we will."
Parliament was adjourned on Thursday morning.
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